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8 Best Centers The Los Angeles Lakers Could Land This Summer
By Eddie Bitar,
3 hours ago
New head coach JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers are very interested in acquiring a new starting center to pair alongside Anthony Davis to go bigger with more defensive presence. With so much competition in the Western Conference looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers need to move Davis back to his natural power forward position and go back to the style that won them the 2019-20 NBA championship. Luckily for the Lakers, there are eight centers they can realistically trade for this summer.
1. Jarrett Allen
Credit&colon Gary A&period Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Acquiring Jarrett Allen would significantly bolster the Lakers' interior defense and rebounding capabilities. His shot-blocking prowess and defensive instincts would enable Anthony Davis to take more risks and roam on defense, creating a dominant frontcourt that can control the paint. This past season, the defensive star averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 63.4% from the field. Allen's skill in the pick-and-roll would provide a reliable offensive option near the rim, complementing Davis' versatility and mid-range game.
In the Lakers' system alongside LeBron James and Davis, Allen would thrive as a defensive anchor and lob threat. His presence would allow Davis to shift to his preferred power forward position, maximizing his offensive impact. LeBron would benefit from Allen's screens and finishing ability at the rim, creating more spacing and options in pick-and-rolls. Additionally, at 26 years old, Allen fits well into the Lakers' long-term plans.
Myles Turner would bring a distinctive combination of shot-blocking and floor-spacing to the Lakers' frontcourt. His ability to protect the rim while also stepping out to hit three-pointers would be an ideal complement to Anthony Davis. Playing for a high-paced Pacers team this year, Turner averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 35.8% from three. Turner's presence would allow Davis to play more freely on both ends of the floor, with the assurance of another elite defender behind him.
Offensively, Turner's shooting would enhance spacing, giving Davis more room to operate inside and making it tougher for defenses to collapse on the Lakers' stars. Turner's integration with LeBron James and Davis in the Lakers' system would be seamless. Defensively, the combination of Turner and Davis would create a formidable shot-blocking duo, making it challenging for opponents to score in the paint.
3. Clint Capela
Credit&colon Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Clint Capela would bring a robust defensive presence and elite rebounding skills (11.5 RPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG) to the Lakers. Renowned for his shot-blocking and board control, Capela would serve as a dependable anchor in the paint. Pairing him with Anthony Davis would form a dominant defensive frontcourt capable of neutralizing opposing offenses. Offensively, Capela's proficiency in the pick-and-roll and finishing around the rim would complement Davis' versatile scoring abilities, enhancing the Lakers' interior threat.
In the starting lineup, Capela would thrive as a pick-and-roll partner and rim protector. His ability to set solid screens and roll aggressively to the basket would create more space for LeBron and Davis to operate. With the Atlanta Hawks likely focusing on rebuilding around their No. 1 overall pick and Trae Young, they might consider acquiring the 26-year-old Hachimura and 21-year-old Jalen Hood-Schifino in exchange for Capela.
Wendell Carter Jr. brings a versatile skill set that would complement Anthony Davis' game beautifully. To acquire Carter Jr, the Lakers would need to include a package of Rui Hachimura and three second-round picks. Carter is a solid defender, capable of guarding multiple positions, which allows Davis to play more aggressively as a rim protector. His rebounding prowess, averaging 6.9 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, would help alleviate the burden on Davis, allowing him to focus on scoring and shot-blocking. Additionally, Carter's ability to space the floor with his improving three-point shot (37.4% in 2023-24) means that he won't clog the paint, giving Davis more room to operate inside.
Playing alongside LeBron James, Carter's high basketball IQ and willingness to play off the ball would be crucial. LeBron thrives with teammates who can execute pick-and-rolls and make smart cuts to the basket, both of which are strengths of Carter's game. Under new coach JJ Redick, known for his emphasis on spacing and ball movement, Carter's offensive versatility could be maximized. Redick could utilize Carter in various offensive sets, from pick-and-pops to facilitating from the high post, ensuring that his talents are fully integrated into the Lakers' system.
5. Walker Kessler
Credit&colon Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler, Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimua, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Walker Kessler would be a tremendous addition to the Lakers , providing a young, defensive-minded center to pair with Anthony Davis. Kessler's shot-blocking ability (averaging 2.4 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season) would allow Davis to play more freely on the perimeter and as a roving defender. His strong rebounding presence, with 7.5 rebounds per game, ensures that the Lakers maintain dominance on the boards.
Offensively, Kessler's efficient finishing around the rim (65.4% field goal percentage) makes him a reliable option for put-backs and pick-and-roll plays, fitting well with Davis' versatile offensive game. Playing alongside LeBron James, Kessler's ability to run the floor and finish lobs would be invaluable. Adding Jordan Clarkson in this trade brings an additional scoring punch off the bench, providing the Lakers with a proven scorer who can create his own shot.
Brook Lopez would be an excellent fit for the Lakers, bringing veteran leadership and a unique skill set that perfectly complements Anthony Davis. Lopez's ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting (36.6% in the 2023-24 season) provides valuable spacing, allowing Davis more room to operate in the post.
Defensively, Lopez remains one of the league's premier shot-blockers (averaging 2.4 blocks per game), and his presence in the paint would enhance the Lakers' interior defense, allowing Davis to take on more versatile defensive assignments. Playing alongside LeBron James, Lopez's high basketball IQ and floor-spacing capabilities would be crucial. LeBron thrives with big men who can spread the floor and open up driving lanes, making Lopez an ideal pick-and-pop partner.
7. Mitchell Robinson
Credit&colon Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks Receive: Rui Hachimura
Mitchell Robinson would be a game-changing addition to the Lakers, providing a dominant presence in the paint alongside Anthony Davis. Robinson's elite shot-blocking ability (averaging 1.1 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season) would significantly bolster the Lakers' interior defense, forming a formidable frontcourt duo with Davis. His exceptional rebounding skills, with an average of 8.5 rebounds per game, would help secure extra possessions and control the glass. Offensively, Robinson's proficiency as a lob threat and finisher around the rim (57.5% field goal percentage) would offer a reliable target for alley-oops and pick-and-roll plays.
Playing with LeBron James, Robinson's athleticism and ability to finish above the rim would be highly beneficial. LeBron excels with big men who can catch lobs and finish in traffic, making Robinson an ideal fit. JJ Redick's emphasis on spacing and ball movement would create more opportunities for Robinson to excel in the paint, while his defensive schemes would take full advantage of Robinson's shot-blocking and rebounding prowess.
8. Robert Williams III
Credit&colon Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Robert Williams III would be a dynamic addition to the Lakers, enhancing their defensive presence and athleticism alongside Anthony Davis. Williams' elite shot-blocking ability (averaging 1.2 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season) would significantly strengthen the Lakers' rim protection, allowing Davis more freedom to guard multiple positions. Offensively, Williams' efficiency around the rim (65.4% field goal percentage) and ability to finish lobs make him an excellent pick-and-roll partner.
Playing alongside LeBron James, Williams' athleticism and rim-running capabilities would be a perfect fit. LeBron thrives with big men who can catch and finish lobs, making Williams an ideal target in transition and half-court sets. Williams had a strong stint with the Boston Celtics so he could have a similar impact for the Lakers who will be able to use his specialist talents.
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